Gear article
Fender Player II Modified Active Precision Bass MN Sunshine Yellow
The Fender Player II Modified Active Precision Bass is a contemporary 4-string electric bass featuring an alder body, an 18V active preamp, and a versatile PJ pickup configuration. Designed for modern playability, it incorporates a 'Modern C' maple neck with rolled fingerboard edges and a high-mass bridge, offering a significant evolution of the traditional Precision Bass platform.
See live pricesOverview
The Fender Player II Modified Active Precision Bass represents a sophisticated update to the Player series, blending classic aesthetics with high-performance electronics. This specific iteration is finished in Sunshine Yellow and features a maple fingerboard. The instrument is built around an alder body, providing a balanced tonal foundation that has defined Fender instruments for decades. The 'Modified' designation refers to the inclusion of an active electronics suite and a secondary bridge pickup, expanding the sonic range beyond that of a standard single-pickup Precision Bass.
Design and Construction
The neck of the Player II Modified Precision Bass is crafted from maple with a 'Modern C' profile, designed to accommodate a wide variety of playing styles. A satin urethane finish on the back of the neck and rolled fingerboard edges are included to enhance comfort and speed. The fingerboard carries a 9.5" radius and features 20 medium jumbo frets. Hardware upgrades include a HiMass bridge for improved sustain and resonance, alongside tapered-shaft tuning machines that provide better string break angles over the nut.
Electronics and Sound
This model utilizes a versatile 'PJ' pickup layout, combining a Player II Modified Precision Bass split-coil neck pickup with a Noiseless Jazz Bass bridge pickup. This configuration allows players to access the classic mid-range 'thump' of a P-Bass while having the option to dial in the bite and clarity of a J-Bass without the associated 60-cycle hum. The heart of the instrument's versatility is its 18V active preamp, which provides a 3-band EQ for precise tonal shaping. An active/passive toggle switch allows the user to bypass the preamp for traditional passive operation.
Comparison to Alternatives
Within the Fender ecosystem, this model sits between the standard Player II series and the American Professional II Jazz Bass. Compared to the Squier Classic Vibe Active 70s Jazz Bass V, the Fender Player II offers a 4-string configuration with higher-grade alder body construction and a more powerful 18V preamp. While the Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Bass focuses on a specific vintage-spec thin neck and passive high-output pickups, the Player II Modified Precision Bass prioritises modern flexibility and ergonomic features like the rolled fingerboard edges.
Related gear
£149.99 ($190)Gear4Music
Chicago Bass Guitar Trans Red Burst 15W Bass Amp & Accessory Pack
£119.99 ($152)Gear4Music
VISIONSTRING Bass Guitar Pack Black
£805.00 ($1,022)Fender
Fender Player II Jazz Bass RW Birch Green
£962.00 ($1,222)Fender
Fender Player II Modified Active Precision Bass MN 3 Tone Sunburst
£459.00 ($583)Squier
Squier Classic Vibe Active 70s Jazz Bass V LRL Sienna Sunburst
£1,299.00 ($1,650)Fender
Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Bass Black
£1,829.00 ($2,323)Fender
Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass MN Dark Night
£159.99 ($203)Gear4Music
Chicago Fretless Bass Guitar Trans Red 15W Bass Amp & Accessory Pack
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary body material of this bass?
- The body is constructed from alder, a classic tonewood choice for Fender that provides a bold, resonant tone with a focused midrange punch.
- What type of neck profile does the Player II Modified Precision Bass have?
- It features a 'Modern C' neck profile. This shape is designed to be comfortable for the majority of players, offering a balance between thickness and speed.
- Does this bass require batteries for the electronics?
- Yes, it features an 18V active preamp system which typically requires two 9V batteries to operate. However, it also includes an active/passive switch to allow for battery-free operation if desired.
- What kind of bridge is installed on this model?
- The instrument is equipped with a Fender HiMass bridge. This heavier bridge design is intended to increase sustain and provide better tuning stability compared to vintage-style stamped steel bridges.
- What pickups are used in this configuration?
- It uses a Player II Modified Precision Bass neck pickup and a Noiseless Jazz Bass bridge pickup. This combination provides the classic Precision 'thump' while the bridge pickup offers clarity without hum.
- What is the fingerboard radius?
- The maple fingerboard has a 9.5-inch radius. This is a modern standard for Fender, offering a comfortable surface for both melodic lines and groove-based playing.
- What are rolled fingerboard edges?
- Rolled edges mean the sharp corners of the fingerboard where it meets the neck have been smoothed down. This provides a 'broken-in' feel that enhances comfort during long playing sessions.
- How many frets does this bass have?
- The bass features 20 medium jumbo frets. These larger frets make it easier to fret notes cleanly and are a popular choice for contemporary bassists.
- What finish is applied to the neck?
- The neck has a satin urethane finish. This matte-like finish is designed to feel smooth and non-sticky, allowing for faster movement up and down the neck compared to gloss finishes.
- What controls are available on the 3-band EQ?
- The 18V preamp provides dedicated controls for Treble, Mid, and Bass frequencies. This allows for precise tonal adjustments directly from the instrument to suit various musical genres.
- What is the benefit of tapered-shaft tuners?
- Tapered shafts force the string windings downward as they are tightened. This creates a sharper break angle over the nut, which can improve tuning stability and reduce unwanted string vibration.
- How does this model differ from a standard Precision Bass?
- Unlike a standard P-Bass which is passive and has one pickup, this 'Modified' model adds a bridge pickup, an 18V active preamp with 3-band EQ, and high-performance hardware like the HiMass bridge.
